Title:Aging in the Perspective of Integrative Medicine, Psychoneuroendocrineimmunology and Hormesis
VOLUME: 13 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Attilio Cavezzi*, Lorenzo Ambrosini, Roberto Colucci, Giuseppe D. Ionna and Simone Urg Urso
Affiliation:Association Nutrage, Viale dello Sport 14, San Benedetto del Tronto 63074, Association Nutrage, Viale dello Sport 14, San Benedetto del Tronto 63074, Association Nutrage, Viale dello Sport 14, San Benedetto del Tronto 63074, Association Nutrage, Viale dello Sport 14, San Benedetto del Tronto 63074, Association Nutrage, Viale dello Sport 14, San Benedetto del Tronto 63074
Keywords:Psychoneuroendocrineimmunology, integrative medicine, hormesis, oxidative stress, glycation, psychotherapy.
Abstract:Aging has been considered a progressive decrease of a living organism’s homeodynamics,
which indicates a reduction of psycho-biological resilience. This narrative review provides an
overview of the available literature related to the holistic approach of integrative medicine, Psychoneuroendocrineimmunology
(PNEI) and hormesis in the aging process. On the basis of Pathophysiology
of cell senescence and of chronic degenerative diseases, possible preventive/therapeutic
pathways have been examined. Chronic low grade cellular inflammation and chronic stress have
been shown as the general interlinked factors inducing aging, on the basis of complex biochemical,
cell and multi-organ derangements. The main cell degenerative processes which have been related
to aging are: altered mitochondria DNA/metabolism, excessive oxidative stress, glycation, alteration
of autophagy and proteasome, and genome alterations. Literature about longevity-targeting interventions,
beyond conventional medicine, describes a spectrum of possible measures to improve
psycho-biological resilience, based on the PNEI paradigm, on hormesis and upon mitochondriatargeted
interventions. Calorie restriction, exercising, fasting, nutraceuticals, sleep regulation, specific
breathing, meditation and psychotherapy are discussed, among others.
